Name: Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb pearl onions, peeled; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 cinnamon stick; 4-5 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup water or beef broth

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This Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is a hearty, comforting dish full of Mediterranean flavor. It features tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pearl onions, red wine, and aromatic spices. I love how the Instant Pot makes this traditional Greek stew much faster to prepare without sacrificing that slow-cooked depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a classic Greek comfort food into a weeknight-friendly meal. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, giving me melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked onions in under an hour. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves fills my kitchen while it cooks, and the taste is deeply satisfying. I also enjoy how versatile it is — I can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even over orzo for a complete, comforting meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
Olive oil
Pearl onions, peeled
Garlic cloves, minced
Red wine
Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
Tomato paste
Red wine vinegar
Cinnamon stick
Whole cloves
Bay leaves
Ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or beef broth

Directions

I start by setting my Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the olive oil.
I brown the beef cubes in batches to get a nice sear on all sides, then set them aside.
I add the pearl onions to the pot and cook until they start to turn golden.
Next, I stir in the garlic and tomato paste, letting it cook for about a minute to release its flavor.
I deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
I add the beef back in along with the crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, allspice, salt, pepper, and broth.
I seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
I remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves, then stir everything gently before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook (including pressure build-up and release). In just about an hour, I can have a rich, slow-cooked-style Greek beef stifado ready to serve.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth and sweetness.
For a slightly different texture, I like to add a few chopped carrots or potatoes into the mix.
I occasionally swap the beef for lamb for a more traditional Greek flavor.
If I want a thicker sauce, I simmer it for a few minutes after pressure cooking with the lid off.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. If I make a big batch, I freeze portions for up to 3 months and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, I can make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. On the stovetop, I just simmer everything gently for 2–3 hours until the beef is tender.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

I highly recommend it. Browning adds a deep, rich flavor that really enhances the stew.

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Yes, I often use frozen pearl onions to save time — they work perfectly and taste great.

What should I serve with Greek beef stifado?

I like to serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or orzo. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

After pressure cooking, I turn on sauté mode and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes until it reaches my preferred consistency.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Greek Beef Stifado is one of my favorite comfort meals — rich, fragrant, and full of traditional flavor made simple with modern convenience. I love how the tender beef and sweet pearl onions come together in that warmly spiced tomato sauce. It’s a meal I make again and again, especially when I want something hearty, satisfying, and effortlessly impressive.